cleaning files

kosherbacon · Post by **kosherbacon** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 8:46 pm

I'm always getting crud stuck in the files that use and i cant find a good way of getting it out. right now I'm running my x-acto through all the grooves and its really annoying.

anyone have another technique?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:00 pm

You can get a file brush (stiff metal thing) or is it called a file comb? Anyhoo or I use a "Pro-Stik Abrasive Belt & Disc Cleaner" to clean my files and sanding sticks.

It's kinda like a huge gum eraser.

File Brush

Mark Yungblut · Post by **Mark Yungblut** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:30 pm

I use a file brush as well as a wire brush on my Dremel. One thing to remember is to not use a file brush on Diamond files and it could remove the diamond abrasive. I have a soft brass brush for those.

Wug · Post by **Wug** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:58 pm

If the files aren't too bad, you can clean them with a copper bristled suede brush. You can find suede brushes in the shoe departments of large retailers or at shoe stores. Unfortunately, copper bristles are being replaced by plastic.

A good local hardware store should sell real file brushes.

If you can't brush away the clog, and the files are all metal, you can soak them in a strong solvent.

I used to rub chalk into my files to prevent clogging. I stopped because its a little messy and clogging isn't much of a problem if I don't apply too much pressure and I keep the file brushed clean.

Mike

mightymax · Post by **mightymax** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:12 am

Are we talking plastic dust? If yes just dip the file in a can of laquer thinner.

Max Bryant

robiwon · Post by **robiwon** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:05 pm

I use an old stiff tooth brush on my metal files and toothbrush and warm water on my sanding pads. Works for me. And it does depend on what it is your filing or sanding.

kosherbacon · Post by **kosherbacon** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 4:41 pm

what im talking about is plastic that isnt really dust but it isnt really meleted its just stuck and smaking it doesnt get it out.
sorry that i didnt respond earilier but i bought a thing for my drill and it works great
i dont have problems anymore.
thanks for your help and im sorry that i didnt resopond sooner.

Butters · Post by **Butters** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:23 pm

I'll second using a wire wheel Dremel bit, and I'll add that you should run the wheel with the 'grain' of the file.

kosherbacon · Post by **kosherbacon** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:36 pm

Butters wrote:I'll second using a wire wheel Dremel bit, and I'll add that you should run the wheel with the 'grain' of the file.

yea
i found that out the hard way

it works really well tho

Lo pan · Post by **Lo pan** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:29 am

I have been told that acetone works well, but you MUST be careful with it, because if you get it on yourself you'll melt like the Wicked Witch of the West, as will any nearby furniture, model kits, pets, and concrete.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 12:11 pm

Acetone is nasty, but not that nasty. Fumes are the worse.

Used to use acetone for making screen prints.

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:17 pm

be safe, do what the girls do: nail polish remover.

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:21 pm

That's still acetone, 'noosh. 5%, but still.

I've also seen people take matches to their files. Personally, that releases a bit too many toxins for my taste. I just use a file card.

Dan

DX-SFX · Post by **DX-SFX** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:44 pm

It's quite legitimate to burn material out of file teeth. As long as you don't get the file so hot that you change the temper of the steel. You'll breath more toxins in just using other modelling products unless you've been filing something prohibitively poisonous. And of course, you can always do it outside.

Keptin Barnes · Post by **Keptin Barnes** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 2:22 pm

Jonas Calhoun wrote:That's still acetone, 'noosh. 5%, but still.

That's what he meant. It's safer cuz o' that reason.

budgie · Post by **budgie** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 4:31 pm

Kylwell wrote:Acetone is nasty, but not that nasty. Fumes are the worse.

Used to use acetone for making screen prints.

Yep, I used to use it too.. taking release agent from recently cast figures.. we used to dip them for a few minutes in a bucket of acetone - no gloves!! made your hands cold and go a little white (if working on white figures).. it did stink to high heaven though.

Babaganoosh's right with nail polish remover, most use acetone and great for cleaning resin bits..

Budgie